After struggling with her health for years—surviving cancer and developing Type 2 diabetes—Patti Goldenson decided to turn her life around. Since joining CrossFit South Bay in Torrance, California, she’s lost 135 lb. and no longer needs to take diabetes medication.
Goldenson’s journey began after she broke her back at work. While she was in recovery, her physical therapist, Ron Satow, invited her to a contest at his gym. He was surprised when “she actually did show up” on a Saturday morning.
“She was prepared for a change,” Satow says.
Goldenson also remembers that first morning: “I went over there and sat in my car. I couldn’t get out. I was so scared. I wanted to go so bad, but I didn’t think I could.”
After overcoming the initial intimidation, she found a supportive community.
“There was also this energy there. It felt like people really cared,” she says.
Eventually she was able to quiet the inner voice that was telling her she couldn’t do it, and she kept coming back. Now she’s reclaiming her health and proving that great things are possible when you find the courage to make changes in your life.
“You have to accept where you are and start from there,” she says. “Everyone starts from where they’re at.”
Video by Jesse Kahle.
Patti: A Journey Toward Wellness